Watch CBS News

Ventura Wants 'American Sniper' Lawsuit To Proceed

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is asking a judge to allow his defamation lawsuit against slain "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle to go forward with Kyle's widow as the defendant.

In the book, Kyle claims he punched Ventura in 2006 over unpatriotic remarks. Ventura says it never happened.

Ventura's attorneys argued in federal court Monday that he has the right to restore his reputation, and Kyle's estate will continue to profit from book sales.

Kyle's attorneys say if the case proceeds, it will paint Ventura as someone who has no feelings for widows of war heroes.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan took the arguments under advisement.

Iraq War veteran Eddie Ray Routh is charged in the February killings of Kyle and a friend at a Texas gun range.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.